title: A cytokine-dependent switch for glial-neuron interactions.
abstract: Though transmitters can be released from astrocytes, the conditions that permit their modulation of synaptic transmission are under debate. Santello et al. in this issue of Neuron now show that TNFα promotes a burst mode of glial transmitter release that escapes reuptake processes allowing access to neuronal NMDA receptors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
authors.forename: So-Young
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Philip G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Haydon